What term describes the aardvark's diet dominated by ants and termites?
Answer
Myrmecophages
The term Myrmecophages specifically denotes animals whose diet consists primarily, or almost entirely, of ants and termites. This classification reflects the profound specialization of the aardvark, differentiating it from general insectivores which might consume a wider variety of insects. This dietary focus dictates nearly every aspect of the aardvark's life, including its powerful digging anatomy and its strictly nocturnal foraging schedule designed to locate these specific social insects underground or within mounds. This dedication means that while ants are staples, termites often constitute the bulk of the intake due to the substantial caloric reward offered by a large, breached colony.
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